WHILE dabbling in rugby at university, New Zealand-born Chris Lysaght was affectionately nicknamed “Rev” for insisting the team gather together for prayer before a game, and these days he draws young people together in a similar way but for a different purpose.
Chris, 26, was recently appointed youth co-ordinator at Darra-Jindalee parish in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
With a diploma in youth ministry and 12 years’ experience on the “faith field” Chris said his upbringing is responsible for his thirst for God.
“I was really fortunate to be raised in a supportive Catholic environment. From home to school to youth group and sporting teams I have always had a clear identity with my Catholic faith.”
Chris was born in Christchurch, the younger of two boys.
Many in Brisbane archdiocese know of his brother, Mark, who works as promotions officer for the Vocations Office.
Chris recalls a moment on his faith journey that had a lasting impact.
“Two young leaders on a camp I attended asked if they could pray with me. From that moment on I knew that I was part of something bigger than myself and that I wanted to give back something of what I had received while growing up,” Chris said.
He admitted to “learning a lot” since that experience, using his gifts and talents for God’s glory and the building of the Church.
“For me, my faith is important and relevant in the every day and this is what I seek to invite young people to understand.”
Chris made “some distinct observations” on arriving in Darra-Jindalee in mid-July, including recognising parish priest Fr Dan Carroll’s shared “vision of service to young people”.
“This comes from Fr Dan’s passion and generosity in understanding, believing and acting on the words, ‘Young people are the future of the Church’,” Chris said.
“I hope to help facilitate a process with the parish community that helps to form these young people in the present for that future.”
Another observation was of the outstanding involvement of youth in music ministry at Darra-Jindalee.
“The young Darra choir are something to behold. The phrase, ‘They sound like angels’ has been used more than once (about them).”
Chris is hoping to complement their many talents by adding his “flavour” to the vision and “consolidating on the hard work that has been done”.
Life Teen is a program run after the Sunday-night Mass in Jindalee (twice a month) focusing on spiritual, intellectual, emotional and relational topics.
Chris is looking forward to the potential of this outreach and many others.
“We are moving towards having more regular and consistent gatherings for the youth of the parish … be it Life Teen nights, young adult events, upper primary after-school events, sporting teams, scripture study groups and importantly, family days,” he said
